Residents told to check trees ahead of Storm Dennis

A large cedar tree brought down by

Storm Ciara last week caused significant damage to John and Marjorie Lowrie’s home in Willington

PEOPLE in South Derbyshire are being warned to make sure trees near their homes are not likely to blow down after one fell on a house in Willington last weekend, causing major damage.

The warning comes as the country is set to be battered again – this time by Storm Dennis.

Bosses from South Derbyshire District Council are encouraging people whose homes are close to trees to thoroughly inspect them on their land for any signs of disease, which might cause them to come down in high winds.

When trees are diseased, they become weaker and less able to stand up against strong winds, like those brought about by Storm Ciara last weekend, said a spokesman for the authority.

On Sunday, a Willington couple were woken up when a large cedar tree that had been outside their home crashed through the roof, destroying an upstairs room in their 280-year-old house.

Luckily, the room was used as an attic and nobody was injured.

John and Majorie Lowrie, who live in Hall Lane, have since enlisted the help of handyman Paul Mclaughlin, and Garden Services and Tree Surgery Ltd, based in Burton, who have been helping remove the fallen tree.

Their home will now have to undergo major repairs, including to the gable end wall and the roof.

Councillor Lisa Brown, chairman of South Derbyshire’s planning committee, said: “My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mr and Mrs Lowrie, it must have been a huge shock for them.

“It is important to be aware that it is the responsibility of any landowner to make sure that any tree on his or her property is safe.

More rain and strong gusts are forecast this weekend

“This applies whether or not there is a Tree Preservation Order on the tree and is particularly important during the stormy weather we experienced last weekend and which is also due in the weekend to come.

“In the case of this particular tree in Willington, the Tree Preservation Order was granted in 2017. We were not made aware of any disease in this tree and have no record of an application to carry out work to the tree.

“Anyone wanting to carry out work on a protected tree on their property must apply for written consent using an application form available on the South Derbyshire District Council website.”

Storm Dennis is expected to hit the UK from tomorrow and could bring a repeat of the treacherous conditions caused by Ciara.

Forecasters say Saturday will be wet and windy and conditions will worsen through the afternoon, with a yellow warning for wind in place for Saturday.

The Met Office has warned buildings may be damaged and there is a chance of injuries – and even “danger to life from flying debris”.